The photo shows a PV5 being produced at the Hwaseong EVO Plant East. (Provided by Hyundai Motor and Kia.)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Kia’s new electric commercial vehicle, the PV5, has been named the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY), marking the first time a Korean brand — and the first time an Asian electric light commercial vehicle — has captured the industry’s most prestigious award.
Kia announced on Nov. 20 that the PV5 received the honor at Solutrans, a global commercial vehicle exhibition held this week in Lyon, France. The award is administered by a nonprofit panel of commercial-vehicle journalists from across Europe and is widely considered the highest accolade in the sector.
The PV5 won by unanimous vote of all 26 jurors, beating out other finalists including the Ford E-Transit Courier, Ford E-Transit, Volkswagen Crafter, and Parizon SV. Judges evaluated candidates launched in more than a dozen countries this year, assessing technological innovation, efficiency, safety, environmental performance, and long-term sustainability.
Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY committee, said the PV5’s “excellent performance, efficient electric platform, and user-centered design” left a strong impression. A unanimous decision, he added, underscored that the vehicle “sets a new benchmark for practical innovation in the electric commercial van market.”
This file photo provided by Kia Corp. shows the PV5 purpose-built vehicle. (Yonhap)
The recognition caps a remarkable four-year run for Kia in global EV awards: the EV6 GT won World Performance Car in 2023; the EV9 earned both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle in 2024; and the EV3 secured World Car of the Year in 2025.
Developed as a mid-sized purpose-built vehicle (PBV), the PV5 integrates hardware versatility with software solutions tailored for business operators. Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S electrification platform, it offers a flat floor, expanded cabin and cargo space, and support for multiple upper-body configurations, enabling flexible fleet customization.
The model also incorporates enhanced safety features, including a reinforced front multi-frame structure, battery-protection design, ultra-high-tensile steel components, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and safeguards against pedal misapplication.
“Kia has long pursued leadership in EV innovation, and the PV5 represents the extension of that mission into the commercial mobility sector,” CEO Song Ho-sung said. Winning the world van title, he added, demonstrates the company’s intention to redefine global light-commercial-vehicle standards and advance “smart and sustainable mobility solutions for business customers worldwide.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
